Best 914 for "Project Car"

[Charles Freeborn]

So, I'm not a 914 guy...911 or die...but I've got a wild hair to build a silly little mid engine roadster and the 914 would make a good platform.
What are the best years, engine, suspension combos to look for?
It's got to be smog exempt in Oregon (pre '75) I don't want to go too radical in engine mods, just a reliable, streetable 150 hp or so should do it, 5 speed trans a must.
Many thanks in advance.
-C

[Chris Scott]

Here is a link that might help you gather some insight into the 914.
914world.com - A Porsche 914 Community / Forum / Club
All of them were 5speed. 73-74 are best and the 75 is one that you wont feel so guilty chopping up. All of these cars were underpowered 70-95hp.

[80-911SC]

Check out the world .. a lot of info over there ..

Now .. I would not start over there with silly little mid engine .. may not get you the best welcome ..

As far as 150 hp on an early four .. your gonna have to do some work .. they started off life from the factory sub 100 hp ... to get to 150 is possible but not necessarily cheap ...

Now if you happen to have an extra 6 cyl sitting around thats a quick way to add HP .. also adds weight so you need to add a little more than you originally were thinking ...

Just food for thought ...

By the way .. I am a 914 and a 911 owner/caretaker ...

Steve

[Charles Freeborn]

Many thanks. I'll check over there. I guess I'll have to drop my expectations to 100 or so hp and achieve performance with weight reduction.
-C

[80-911SC]

You can get over 100 with carbs and a cam .. 115/20 with exhaust etc .. but remember these cars are closer to 2000 lbs then 3000 ...power to weight and the feel that light ...

mine is close to 2000 with me in it ...

[Ernest63]

Many thanks

[80-911SC]

I just remembered there was a thread here recently about a 150 hp 2 liter .. they said it would run close or over 5 grand to build it up ....

[carr914]

Find the Best one you can (no rust)

Buy someone else's Project

Buy a 914-6 Conversion, then you will have your 150+ hp, Brakes, Suspension etc

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Originally Posted by 80-911SC

I just remembered there was a thread here recently about a 150 hp 2 liter .. they said it would run close or over 5 grand to build it up ....

The 5 grand is for a ~100-120 HP 2056cc engine. Getting 150 HP will take more work and therefore more $$. Heads will be the key to making power.

--DD

[Charles Freeborn]

This may already be a non-starter for me. My wife sez "get one of those cute roly poly ones" (356)...which is okay with me. Little does she know it'll be an "Outlaw"...
The concept on the 914 was to chop it up into a open wheel T roadster style car. A pal does custom car metalwork (he's got a shear brake, english wheel, the whole set up).
Would have been fun - maybe another time.
Many thanks all,
-C

[80-911SC]

If your going 356 then throw the 914 budget out the window .. 356 rollers are more than a running 914 .. if your still looking to get the power you wanted originally into the project you are going to spend a good chunk of change ... but an outlaw 356 w/ 150 horse .. very nice ...

[Charles Freeborn]

Yes, I realize it would be a whole different ball game. I'd sell my 911, add another $20k or so and then take a ride out to talk to Emory... Going to have to win the lotto or get an inheritance of some sort...

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Oh, and to answer the original question:

The best 914 to start a project from is the one with the least rust. Even if you're going to be removing much of the body, you still want as little rust as possible in the structural areas that remain. And those are what rust first on these cars.

--DD

[larrym]

so - what's your price on the 74 targa?